artificial selectionModification of a species by human intervention so that certain desirable traits are represented in successive generations. The different breeds of domestic dogs and the large ears of maize corn are products of artificial selection. Compare natural selection.

artificial selection definition

The breeding of plants and animals to produce desirable traits. Organisms with the desired traits, such as size or taste, are artificially mated or cross-pollinated with organisms with similar desired traits. (Comparenatural selection.)